A TALE  OF 


a THE  UNFORTUNATE  FEMALE 


WRITTEN  BY  A FRIEND 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  Z.  D.  MONTAGUE 
1845. 


A TALE  OF 


THE  UNFORTUNATE  FEMALE. 


WRITTEN  BY  A FRIEND. 


BOSTON: 


PUBLISHED  BY  Z.  D.  MONTAGUE. 

1 8 4 5. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1844, 
By  U.  K.  ASHBURY,  Esq. 
in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Massachusetts. 


a.  j.  wright’s  steam  press, 
3 Water  Street,  Boston. 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 

CHAPTER  I. 

One  fine  morning  in  the  Spring,  when  all  nature 
seemed  to  rejoice — the  trees  and  flowers  had  begun  to 
send  forth  their  tender  leaves,  and  the  sweet  feathered 
songsters  had  returned  from  the  warm  climates  to  take 
up  their  abode  with  us  and  spend  another  happy  sea- 
son— on  such  a morning  as  this,  when  every  thing  ex- 
ternal invited  to  peace  and  contentment,  Miss  Rossell 
was  seated  in  the  parlor  with  her  fond  parents,  sur- 
rounded by  kind  and  loving  brothers  and  sisters;  and 
all  seemed  to  partake  as  one  in  the  enjoyment  of  a hap- 
py family  circle. 

As  Mr.  Rossell  rose  to  leave  the  room,  he  turned  to 
his  children  and  said,  “ How  thankful  we  ought  to  be 
for  the  blessings  we  receive;  our  health  is  continued; 
our  earthly  wants  are  all  supplied;  and  all  nature 
seems  to  be  clothed  in  smiles,  calling  upon  us  to  rejoice 
and  give  thanks.’’ 

“Yes,  father,”  said  Eliza,  “ we  do  rejoice,  and  hope 
this  morning  of  our  happiness  will  always  continue 
with  us.” 

“ That  is  a good  wish,  dear,”  said  Eliza’s  mother, 
“ but  a great  deal  depends  upon  the  way  you  steer  your 
frail  bark,  for  the  current  you  have  to  strive  agaijnst  is 
strong,  and  -unless  you  watch  every  moment  through 
life,  you  may  run  against  some  rock  or  quicksand  that 
may  ruin  your  happiness  and  seal  your  doom  forever, 
thus  casting  a gloom  over  all  your  real  and  dear 
friends.” 


6 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


Eliza,  who  was  very  handsome,  raised  her  large  blue, 
keen  and  piercing  eyes,  and  with  a smile  on  her  coun- 
tenance, observed  to  her  mother,  “ The  rest,  perhaps, 
may  be  led  astray,  but  there  is  no  danger  of  me,  for  you 
know  I am  always  on  the  lookout.  I am  not  heedless 
as  my  sisters  are.  When  I make  up  my  mind,  all  the 
world  could  not  convince  me  I am  wrong ; you  well 
know  that,  mother.” 

“ Yes,  I do,”  replied  her  mother,  “I  am  well  aware 
you  are  rather  headstrong,  and  that  I am  afraid,  will 
prove  your  destruction.” 

After  this  last  remark,  her  mother  cast  her  eyes  to  the 
floor  and  sat  as  if  she  was  in  deep  and  anxious  thought. 
A pause  ensued — gloomy  thoughts  seemed  to  take 
possession  of  each  one’s  heart,  and  all  looked  sad  ex- 
cept the  gay  Eliza. 

Mr.  Rossell,  who  had  been  standing,  an  anxious  listen- 
er to  the  foregoing  conversation,  broke  the  silence  at  last, 
by  observing,  “ We  must  hope,  and  try  to  do,  according' 
to  our  best  abilities,  that  which  is  right,  and  trust  in  a 
kind  Providence.  If  we  do  not,  curses  must  and  will 
follow  us,  and  our  conduct  will  at  last  prove  a complete 
overthrow  to  all  earthly  happiness,  and  seal  our  doom 
for  destruction.  If  we  sow  to  the  wind,  we  shall  surely 
reap  the  whirlwind.  Sin  and  vice  can  prosper  but  a 
little  while,  then  comes  the  winter  of  their  discontent, 
when  forsaken  and  despised  by  those  who  had  been 
kind  and  true-hearted  friends.  I hope,  however,  such 
unhappiness  will  never  possess  your  unsuspecting,  in- 
nocent hearts,  my  dear  children ; but  you  know  not 
what  the  vile  of  this  world  will  do  for  the  sake  of  ac- 
complishing their  fiendish  schemes,  to  pluck  the  fairest 
flowers  in  the  land  from  their  true  bosom  friends;  and 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


7 


like  the  flowers  of  the  field,  the  fairest  are  selected,  but 
as  soon  as  they  begin  to  fade  and  lose  their  charms, 
they  are  thrown  away  to  be  trodden  under  foot,  desert- 
ed by  the  very  wretch  who  had  torn  thepi  from  their 
only  support.” 

“Yes,  father,”  said  Eliza,  with  a look  of  assurance, 
“we  are  aware  that  enemies  will  do  much  to  accomplish 
their  dishonorable  schemes,  but  we  can  easily  discover 
them ; if  they  are  our  enemies  we  will  not  trust  or  be- 
lieve them,  or  even  be  seen  in  their  company;  then  we 
shall  not  be  in  their  power.” 

“My  dear  children, ” replied  Mr.  Rossell,  addressing 
the  little  group,  “ you  must  consider  that  those  who 
wish  to  ruin  your  happiness  will  not  appear  openly  to 
your  face  as  your  enemies ; if  you  ever  have  any  open, 
avowed  enemies,  you  need  not  fear  them.  Those  who 
seek  to  accomplish  base  designs  for  the  ruin  of  one’s 
character  are  pretended  friends, — those  who  have  an 
opportunity  to  mingle  in  your  society  and  secure  your 
esteem  and  affection,  (fixing  his  anxious  gaze  upon 
Eliza,)  yet,  are  busy  in  watching  you,  to  collect  every 
blemish,  real  or  imaginary,  to  misrepresent  your  char- 
acter to  those  whose  envious  feelings  would  cause  them 
to  rejoice  over  your  ruin.  In  proof  of  this,  let  us  look 
back  to  the  time  when  Christ  was  upon  earth.  Who 
was  he  betrayed  by  % Was  it  not  by  one  who  pretend- 
ed to  be  his  bosom  .friend  ? Yes!  and  by  a kiss! 
Without  the  aid  of  this  pretender,  the  combined  powers 
of  earth  and  hell  could  not  succeed  in  destroying  him ; — 
those  mjfcty  powers  who  could  crush  a nation  with  a 
blow,  dared  not  crucify  Him,  until  they  found  a 

TRAITOR  in  a PRETENDED  FRIEND  ! 

“We  hardly  know  where  to  look  for  true  friends. 


8 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


Always  examine  and  scan  closely  the  motives  that  ac- 
tuate their  pretended  friendship.  Be  cautious  how  you 
desert  old  and  tried  friends  for  new  faces.  Outward 
appearances  are  often  deceitful ; knaves  and  villains, 
like  the  demon,  to  deceive  must  wear  a good  appear- 
ance. I trust  the  good  sense  of  my  intelligent  children 
will  not  permit  them  to  be  caught  in  the  snares  set  for 
the  ignorant  and  superstitious.  Like  the  wolf,  the  de- 
ceiver comes  in  sheep’s  clothing,  and  like  a thief  at  night, 
when  we  are  off  our  guard.’ ’ 

“Well  father,”  said  Eliza,  “I  admire  your  senti- 
ments, but  I think  they  will  answer  for  others  much 
better  than  for  me.  You  know  that  all  the  fine  young 
men  always  respect  me,  and  give  a pleasant  nod  and 
smile  when  they  pass  me;  they  would  not  even  try  to 
harm  me,  you  know  that  very  well,  father.” 

The  blood  flowed  fresh  in  the  father’s  face,  he  paused 
a few  moments,  then  said,  £<  You  know  but  little  of  the 
deceitfulness  of  mankind,  or  you  would  never  talk  in 
this  way.  t I sincerely  hope  you  will  never  know,  by 
experience,  the  depravity  of  human  beings.  v 

“ My  dear  children,  it  has  been  the  constant  care  of 
your  parents  to  collect  enough  of  this  world’s  goods  to- 
gether to  enable  them  to  bring  you  up  in  such  a man- 
ner that  you  should  be  ornaments  in  society  and  an 
honor  to  your  country ; that  you  should  respect  your- 
selves  and  thus  cause  others  to  respect  you;  that  your 
virtuous  conduct  should  cause  our  hearts  to  rejoice  in 
our  declining  years.” 

Turning  to  Eliza,  Mr.  Rossell  continu|®^“I  per- 
ceive, my  dear,  that  of  late,  you  seem  to  bFmuch  at- 
tracted by  John  Sheldon.” 

“Why  should  I not  be,  father,”  replied  Eliza,  “ he  is 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


9 


a nice  young  man , and  has  some  property;  you  all 
know  he  is  very  handsome,  and  any  of  the  young  ladies 
would  like  to  take  my  place,  and  give  all  they  are 
worth  in  the  bargain.’7 

“No!  sister,77  said  the  gentle  Sarah.  “It  is  true 
he  is  handsome  and  can  appear  well  in  any  com- 
pany, but  I should  not  wish  for  him  if  I could  have 
him  as  well  as  not.77 

“A  good  reason  why  you  say  so,77  replied  the  im- 
petuous Eliza.  “It  is  only  because  you  could  not  get 
him,  that’s  all,  Sarah.77 

“ Upon  my  honor,  Eliza,  I do  not  fancy  him,”  pro- 
tested Sarah.  “Father,  do  you?” 

“ I have  told  Eliza  my  views  respecting  him,”  ob- 
served Mr.  Rossell;  “she  knows  them  well,  but  heeds 
them  not.” 

“ Well,”  said  Eliza,  “I  do  not  think  my  brothers  and 
sisters  need  trouble  themselves  about  me.  I think  they 
had  better  try  to  take  care  of  themselves  and  let  my 
affairs  alone.  Because  I have  been  rather  more  lucky 
than  they  in  getting  a fine  looking  fellow  who  has  some 
property  and  who  can  appear  well  in  society,  they  must 
borrow  trouble  about  me.” 

“Indeed,”  observed  Mr  Rossell,  “it  is  quite  true  that 
John  Sheldon  is  handsome  and  can  appear  very  well ; 
also,  that  he  has  some  property ; but  it  is  not  his  own 
hard  earnings, — it  was  left  to  him, — but  instead  of  ad- 
ding to  it,  he  has  scattered  it — squandered  it,  in  feeding 
his  own  vicg^  His  principles  I completely  detest.” 

“What^Mphis  principles?”  said  Eliza,  in  a quick 
and  rathe/impatient  manner,  her  face  reddening  at  the 
same  time,  showingthat  her  father’s  words  had  pierced 
her  very  soul. 


10 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


“ Why,  my  dear,”  answered  Mr.  Rossell,  “ we  know 
he  regards  not  the  rights  of  man  or  the  principles  of 
morality.  He  does  not  regard  the  teachings  of  Scripture 
as  being  more  binding  than  fables;  and,  above  all,  he 
honors  not  the  Being  who  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth ; who  hath  given  him  his  life  and  breath  and  all 
that  he  enjoys.  All  that  he  seems  to  care  for  is,  to 
make  a great  show  in  the  world,  to  gratify  himself,  to 
carouse  and  spend  his  evenings  in  scenes  where  vice 
reigns  triumphant.” 

“ Father,”  said  Eliza,  “I  like  to  see  a young  man 
who  can  and  will  enjoy  himself  while  he  is  young.” 

“Well,  Eliza,”  replied  Mr.  Rossell,  “I  am  sorry  to 
think  that  you  do  not  stop  to  consider  one  moment  be- 
fore you  make  up  your  mind.  You  are  too  hasty. 
This  Sheldon  is  an  arch,  shrewd  fellow,  and  if  he  once 
gets  you  in  his  power,  I am  well  convinced  you  will 
rue  the  day  that  you  ever  saw  him.  If  you  continue 
to  notice  him,  you  will  cast  a blight  over  the  happiness 
of  those  dear  friends  who  love  and  respect  you  now. 
Forget  him,  and  you  may  choose  a more  fit  companion 
from  among  the  many  respectable  young  men  who  de- 
light to  wait  upon  you.” 

“ Father,  I have  my  choice  now,”  said  Eliza,  firmly. 

“Yes,  Eliza,”  replied  her  father,  “but  I fear  you 
will  see  the  day  when  you  will  bitterly  repent  your 
choice.” 

“Never  mind,  father,”  said  Eliza,  “I  will  run  the 
risk  of  that.” 

“Well,  Eliza,”  replied  Mr.  Rossell,  a^Hfe  discour- 
aged with  his  headstrong  girl,”  if  you,  who  are  consid- 
ered one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  lovely  girls  in  the  town, 
will  rashly  throw  yourself  away  to  a worthless  fellow, 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


11 


I cannot  help  it.  I have  given  you  the  best  advice  I 
am  able  to  give,  but  you  refuse  to  accept  it  or  to  be 
governed  by  it.  One  thing  I wish  to  ask  of  you.  Do 
not  disclose  to  Sheldon,  what  a loving  heart,  with 
affectionate  interest  for  a daughter’s  welfare,  has  now 
compelled  me  to  say  to  you.” 

“Your  first  advice  I cannot  accept,  father,”  said 
Eliza;  “but  in  regard  to  your  request  not  to  betray 
your  confidence,  I promise,  upon  my  word  and  honor, 
I will  not  reveal  to  Sheldon  what  you  have  said.” 

For  a short  time  all  were  silent,  and  apparently  in 
deep  meditation,  when  their  attention  was  aroused  by 
the  stopping  of  a carriage  before  the  house,  and  the  next 
moment  a loud  rap  was  heard  at  the  door.  Soon,  John 
Sheldon  made  his  appearance,  with  a countenance  as 
fine  as  the  morning.  Bowing  to  the  family,  he  observ- 
ed that  he  had  called  to  request  Miss  Eliza  to  take  a 
ride  with  him. 

la  a few  momewts  Eliza  made  her  appearance  equip- 
ped for  a ride.  Sheldon  handed  her  into  the  carriage 
and  seating  himself  by  her  side,  rapidly  drove  away. 
Sheldon  noticed  that  Eliza’s  countenance  was  some- 
what altered;  though  she  evidently  tried  hard  to  ap- 
pear as  if  nothing  unusual  had  happened.  The  late  con- 
versation with  her  fa  ther  had  somewhat  ruffled  her  feel- 
ings, and  she  could  not  suppress  some  indications  of  it. 

As  they  rode  along,  Sheldon,  who  was  on  the  look- 
out for  head  winds  and  breakers,  knowing  that  the 
family  must  hear  things  not  altogether  in  his  favor,  if 
the  truth  was  told,  said  to  Eliza  in  a quizzing  way, 
“ You  don’t  believe  that,  do  you?” 

“What?”  said  Eliza. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLIN04S 
LIBRARY 


12 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


“Oh,  you  know  well  enough  what  I mean,”  replied 
Sheldon.  * 

“ What  in  the  world  do  you  mean?”  asked  Eliza. 

“Do  you  suppose  I am  altogether  in  the  dark?  I 
was  well  aware  that  there  would  be  lies  told  about  me,” 
replied  Sheldon,  hoping  in  this  way  to  elicit  from  her 
some  secret  to  satisfy  himself  of  the  knowledge  the 
family  had  obtained  of  his  true  character. 

Eliza,  without  much  thought,  fearing  he  knew  what 
had  passed  between  her  father  and  herself,  incautiously 
suffered  herself  to  be  caught  in  the  snare  set  for  her, 
and  confidently  revealed  to  Sheldon  all  the  conversa- 
tion she  so  solemnly  promised  never  to  disclose. 

This  raised  Sheldon’s  indignation  against  the  family, 
and  he  determined  to  be  revenged.  How  to  accomplish 
this,  he  cared  not  much,  but  first  resolved  he  would 
secure  his  victim. 

After  riding  several  miles,  through  a part  of  the 
country  where  the  fields  were  covered  with  beauty  and 
the  birds  warbled  their  sweet  notes  to  encourage  the 
peasant  as  he  toiled,  and  the  traveler  as  he  passed  by, 
they  returned  safely  to  Eliza’s  home.  As  Sheldon 
waited  upon  Eliza  into  the  parlor,  his  countenance  wore 
a smile,  as  usual,  yet  malice  and  revenge  rankled  in 
his  heart.  After  a few  trivial  remarks  about  their  ride, 
he  bade  the  family  good  morning  and  retired. 

Eliza,  after  putting  away  her  bonnet  and  shawl,  re- 
turned to  the  parlor  where  her  mother  and  brothers  and 
sisters  were  engaged  in  their  work  or  studies.  Her 
countenance  beamed  with  excitement  and  delight,  as 
she  exclaimed,  “ What  a beautiful  ride!  delightful!  to 
take  an  airing  with  a handsome,  genteel  young  man  on 
such  a lovely  morning.”  All  present  united  in  giving 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


13 


her  good  advice.  They  feared  she  was  allowing  her- 
self to  be  deceived.  But  it  seemed  useless  to  remon- 
strate with  her.  Her  predominant  passion,  self-will, 
triumphed  over  the  better  judgment  of  her  true  friends. 
She  not  only  disregarded  their  advice,  but  censured 
them,  petulantly,  for  not  minding  their  own  business, 
and  expressed  a hope  that  hereafter  they  would  keep 
their  tongues  to  themselves ; when  she  wanted  their 
advice  she  would  ask  for  it,  and  then  it  would  be  time 
enough  to  give  it.  She  told  them  if  they  troubled  her 
much  more  with  their  interference,  she  would  go  where 
they  could  not  meddle  with  her  affairs ; adding,  that  as 
she  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  she  thought  she  was 
old  enough  to  take  care  of  herself. 

This  was  a trying  scene  for  Eliza’s  mother;  but  it 
seemed  that  the  more  she  warned  her  against  Sheldon 
the  more  she  loved  him  and  hated  her  own  family. 

Soon,  John  Sheldon  and  Eliza  Rossell  were  publish- 
ed fot  marriage.  The  wedding  ceremony  was  perform- 
ed ; — they  became  husband  and  wife. 

They  lived  in  good  style;  their  house  was  well  sup- 
plied with  the  most  costly  furniture,  rather  superior  to 
gpiy  of  their  neighbors,  and  for  a while  the  tide  of  their 
affairs  seemed  to  ran  as  smoothly  as  any  one  could 
wish.  Eliza  now  visited  her  parents  to  enjoy  her 
triumph.  “How  much  better  I have  done,”  said  she, 
“by  taking  my  own  way,  rather  than  listen  to  the 
fables  and  nonsense  of  those  who  are  always  borrowing 
trouble  for  other  people.  I told  you,  mother,  that  all 
the  world  could  not  convince  me  I was  wrong  when 
I had  once  made  up  my  mind  I was  right ; so  I married 
as  I chose ; and  my  friends  may  eat  their  own  words 

a 


14 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


for  meddling  with  my  affairs.  They  begin  to  see  I was 
the  onjy  one  in  the  right  and  they  were  all  in  the 
wrong;  yes,  mother,  and  you  with  the  rest;”  and  she 
looked  her  mother  in  the  face,  with  a significant  smile 
of  triumph,  that  seemed  to  pierce  her  fond  parent  to  the 
heart,  causing  the  fountains  of  grief  to  open  and  the 
tears  to  trickle  down  her  cheeks.  Eliza  felt  that  her 
triumph  was  complete.  Her  mother  simply  observed, 
“I  hope  these  happy  hours  will  never  cease  while  life 
lasts.  1 am  sure  I never  advised  you  to  act  in  any  way 
contrary  to  your  own  will,  unless  I thought  it  would 
prove  a blessing  to  you  in  the  end.  Time  will  prove 
what  the  result  will  be.” 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  DIFFERENCE. — THE  DUTIFUL  SARAH. 

We  will  leave  John  Sheldon  and  his  gay  bride,  for  a 
short  time,  to  plod  their  way  through  the  troubles  of  life 
as  best  they  may,  while  we  briefly  chronicle  some 
events  in  the  life  of  Eliza’s  sister — the  gentle  Sarah. 

Sarah  Rossell,who  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  was 
quite  the  reverse  of  her  sister,  in  her  disposition  and 
feelings.  Although  of  a lively  turn  of  mind,  she  was 
lively  and  considerate,  and  very  respectful  towards  her 
parents  and  friends.  Her  parents  having  been  deeply 
grieved  by  the  ungracious  conduct  of  their  undutiful 
Eliza,  now  looked  upon  Sarah  as  a staff  to  support  and 
comfort  their  declining  years.  Being  the  oldest 
daughter  at  home,  she  was  regarded  by  all  the  family 
as  their  main  stay.  The  youngest  children  looked  to 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


15 


her  for  advice  and  counsel  and  felt  sure  of  finding  in 
her  a friend  and  protector.  The  gloom  and  sadness 
which  Eliza’s  conduct  had  spread  over  the  family, 
gradually  wore  away,  as  Sarah,  by  her  kind  and  duti- 
ful attention  to  the  wishes  of  her  parents,  cheered  and 
made  glad  their  hearts. 

Not  many  months  had  passed  before  new  thoughts 
occupied  the  mind  of  Sarah.  She  had  a suitor.  When 
the  family  were  all  assembled  one  evening  in  the  par- 
lor, she  confidingly  laid  the  matter  before  her  parents 
and  affectionately  asked  their  advice  and  counsel.  She 
told  them  who  her  suitor  was,  and  all  she  knew  about 
him,  and  wished  her  parents  and  the  rest  of  the  family 
to  express  themselves  freely  and  tell  her  what  they 
thought  she  ought  to  do,  as  her  action  might  involve 
her  happiness  for  life.  She  promised  not  to  betray  their 
confidence  as  Eliza  had  done,  and  expressed  her  wil- 
lingness to  follow  their  advice. 

After  discussing  the  subject  Sarah  had  introduced, 
with  much  kinA  feeling  and  anxious  tenderness,  ex- 
pressed by  the  parents  for  her  welfare,  it  seemed  to  be 
the  unanimous  opinion  of  the  whole  family  that  it 
would  not  be  for  the  best  for  Sarah  to  receive  the  visits 
of  the  young  man  who  solicited  her  company.  They 
stated  to  Sarah,  fully,  their  reasons,  and  she  was  satis- 
fied upon  reflection,  that  they  were  right,  and  expressed 
her  determination  to  follow  their  advice.  Accordingly, 
the  first  opportunity  that  presented  itself,  she  informed 
the  young  man,  in  as  kind  a manner  as  possible,  that 
he  must  excuse  her  from  receiving  his  addresses,  as  it 
would  not  be  agreeable  to  her.  Thus  happily  termi- 
nated her  first  trial  of  fidelity  to  her  parents,  and  they 
were  overjoyed  and  thanked  God  for  such  a treasure  as 


16 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


they  possessed  in  their  obedient  daughter,  praying  that 
he  would  preserve  and  protect  her  and  their  family  from 
future  troubles. 

In  less  than  three  months  Sarah  received  another 
offer,  which  she  herself  regarded  with  more  favor  than 
the  first.  As  in  the  first  instance,  however,  she  resolv- 
ed to  ask  the  advice  of  her  parents  and  friends,  before 
she  allowed  herself  to  receive  his  attentions.  * After  a 
consultation,  in  which  the  young  man’s  character  was 
canvassed  pro  and  con,  his  principles  scrutinized,  and 
the  character  of  his  associates  considered,  it  was  agreed 
that  there  could  be  no  objection  to  the  young  man  on  the 
part  of  the  family,  and  that  it  would  be  safe  for  their 
darling  Sarah  to  unite  her  fortune  with  him  for  life  if 
she  was  suited  and  could  love  him. 

Happy  family ! happy  in  each  other’s  confidence. 
The  end  will  show  your  decision  was  correct. 

Preparations  were  rapidly  making  for  a wedding. 
Two  happy,  virtuous  hearts  were  about  to  be  united 
for  life.  All  was  bustle  and  activity  ti^lhe  joyous  day 
arrived.  Mr.  Jones,  the  clergyman,  who,  by  the  way, 
also  performed  the  marriage  ceremony  for -Eliza,  had 
arrived,  and  in  a few  moments  the  nuptials  were  to  be 
celebrated.  The  friends  and  relatives  were  assembled, 
and  with  the  family,  presented  a joyous  company.  The 
door  opened,  and  William  Benson,  the  happy  bride- 
groom, with  the  lovely  Sarah  leaning  on  his  arm,  en- 
tered the  room,  following  the  bridesman  and  brides- 
maid, and  took  a position  in  front  of  their  pastor.  The 
solemn  ceremony  was  soon  finished.  They  had  vowed 
eternal  constancy  to  each  other — they  were  husband 
and  wife. 

The  happiness  of  Sarah’s  parents  seemed  to  be  com- 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


17 


plete,  as  they  gazed  on  the  youthful  pair.  11  Bless 
God!’7  said  Mr.  Rossell,  his  eyes  filling  with  tears  of 
joy.  “ May  heaven’s  richest  blessings  be  your  portion, 
my  dear  children,”  responded  his  wife.  “ Amen !” 
echoed  all  the  company.  After  the  usual  festivities 
were  over,  the  company  broke  up  and  retired  to  their 
homes. 

Mr.  Benson  took  his  bride  to  their  new  home,  which 
had  been  prepared  with  a regard  for  their  real  comfort 
and  according  to  his  circumstances  in  life.  He  was 
not  rich,  but  was  engaged  in  a good  business,  and  with 
his  industrious  habits  and  a good  reputation,  bid  fair  to 
succeed  and  prosper  to  the  satisfaction  of  himself  and 
friends. 

We  will  now  leave  this  happy  couple  for  a while, 
wishing  them  much  joy,  and  trace  the  remainder  of 
Eliza’s  career. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ELIZA  IN  TROUBLE.  HER  HUSBAND  SHOT  AS  A HIGHWAYMAN. 

Alas  ! what  misery  time  reveals.  Twelve  years  had 
passed  away  since  the  marriage  of  Eliza.  To  her,  they 
had  been,  for  the  most  part,  years  of  unhappiness  and 
vain  regret.  The  consciousness  that  she  had  willfully 
plunged  herself  into  the  troubles  she  experienced  did 
not  tend  to  lighten  the  burden  of  her  sorrow,  but  rather 
added  poignancy  to  her  grief.  Deserted  by  her  hus- 
band, poor,  sick,  and  miserable,  she  was  drinking  to 
the  dregs  the  bitter  draught,  from  which  she  refused  to 
turn  when  kindly  warned  by  her  parents  and  friends. 

2* 


18 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


“ There  was  a Christian  friend 
Who  pitied  that  poor  soul. 

And  sought  with  harmless  art 
From  sin  to  make  it  whole.” 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  the  clergyman  who  attended 
the  wedding  of  Eliza,  had  lately  returned  from  a for- 
eign land  where  for  some  years  he  had  been  engaged 
as  a missionary  to  the  heathen.  Having  been  intimate 
in  Mr  Rossell’s  family  while  he  officiated  as  their  pas- 
tor, he  felt  a deep  interest  in  the  two  daughters  he  had 
married  under  such  different  circumstances. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  he  resolved  to  search  them  out 
and  learn  their  history.  Passing  through  a narrow, 
retired  street,  one  day,  at  the.  north  part  of  the  town, 
he  noticed  a little  boy,  sitting  on  the  door  step  of  an  old 
dilapidated  building,  who  was  weeping  bitterly.  Mr. 
Jones  stopped  and  looked  at  the  little  fellow.  He  ap- 
peared to  be  thinly  clad  and  looked  the  picture  of  dis- 
tress. Handing  him  a few  cents  Mr.  Jones  asked  the 
boy  to  tell  him  his  name.  “ James  Sheldon,  sir,”  re- 
plied the  lad,  and  immediately  added,  “My  mother  is 
very  sick,  and  I am  afraid  she  won’t  get  well  and  then 
I shan’t  have  any  body  to  take  eare  of  me,”  and  the 
little  fellow  began  to  cry.  Mr.  Jones  was  surprised  at 
what  the  child  had  told  him.  “Is  it  possible  that 
Eliza,  the  gay  Eliza,  that  I married  to  the  dashing 
John  Sheldon  has  come  to  this?”  said  Mr.  Jones, 
musingly.  “ No  ! it  cannot  be  ! and  yet  the  lad  has  a 
little  of  her  look;”  trying  to  sooth  the  child’s  grief  and 
hush  his  sobs,  Mr.  Jones  asked  him  if  he  had  a 
father  living  and  if  his  name  was  John  Sheldon. 
“ Yes  sir,”  replied  the  little  lad,  pleased  at  the  interest 
the  stranger  seemed  to  manifest,  ^his  name  is  John; 
he’s  gone  off,  and  has’nt  been  at  home  this  ever  so 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


19 


long, — and  I’ve  got  a brother  John,  too;  he’s  bigger 
than  me.” 

“Well,  my  little  man,”  said  Mr.  Jones,  “will  you 
show  me  the  room  where  your  mother  is?  I should 
like  to  see  her.  Do  you  say  she  is  very  sick?” 

“O  yes  sir,”  replied  the  lad;  “she  is  so  sick  and  in 
such  pain  and  makes  such  groans,  I can’t  bear  to  be  in 
the  room; — oh  dear,  my  poor  mother!”  and  his  eyes 
again  filled  with  big  tears. 

“Well,  let  us  go  in,”  said  Mr.  Jones;  and  the  boy 
guided  him  to  a room  on  the  lower  floor  of  the  house ; 
he  opened  the  door  without  ceremony  and  entered.  A 
bed,  which  contained  the  patient,  was  in  one  corner  of 
the  room ; an  elderly  woman,  who  appeared  to  be  a 
nurse,  was  stooping  over  the  fire  preparing  some  gruel. 
Seeing  a stranger  enter  she  hastily  curtisied,  bid  him 
good  morning,  and  requested  him  to  take  a seat.  Mr. 
Jones  informed  her  that  he  was  a clergyman,  and  that 
he  had  called  to  inquire  after  the  sick  woman  she  was 
nursing. 

“She  is  quite  low,  poor  creature,”  said  the  nurse, 
“Indeed,  sir,  she  is  nearly  broken-hearted,  she’s  had 
so  much  trouble ; but  her  friends  are  very  kind  to  her 
and  do  every  thing  in  the  world  to  make  her  comforta- 
ble. This  is  a very  old  house  she  lives  in,  and  Mrs 
Benson  would  have  her  removed  to  more  comfortable 
quarters,  but  she  lived  here  when  her  husband  went 
off;  she  was  taken  sick  in  this  room  and  the  doctor 
thinks  it  would  not  be  safe  to  move  her  now.  But  she 
can’t  stay  long,  she  grows  more  feeble  every  day,  her 
heart’s  near  broke.” 

After  listening  patiently  to  the  account  of  the  good 
nurse,  Mr.  Jones  asked  if  he  could  speak  with  the  sicK 


20 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


woman.  The  nurse  went  softly  to  the  bed  and  finding 
her  patient  awake,  informed  her  that  a minister  had 
come  and  would  like  to  speak  to  her. 

“I  shall  be  glad  to  see  him,”  was  faintly  articulated 
in  reply. 

Mr.  Jones  went  to  the  bedside.  His  fears  were  con- 
firmed as  he  gazed  upon  the  features  of  the  sick.  In 
that  emaciated,  sorrow-stricken  countenance,  he  beheld 
the  once  gay,  thoughtless  and  headstrong  Eliza  Ros- 
sell — she  who,  against  the  wishes  of  her  friends,  be- 
came the  wife  of  the  unprincipled  John  Sheldon.  Tak- 
ing her  hand  in  his,  he  spoke  to  her  words  of  kindness, 
and  soon  informed  her  who  he  was. 

At  firstf  Eliza  appeared  glad  to  see  him,  but  a sick- 
ening shudder  passed  over  her  as  she  thought  of  her 
own  sufferings  and  the  miseries  she  had  brought  upon 
herself  by  her  own  headstrong  and  willful  action.  Mr. 
Jones  inquired  about  her  husband.  She  attempted  to 
speak,  but  a flood  of  grief  choked  her  utterance,  and 
tears  stole  down  her  cheeks.  Mr.  Jones  found  that  he 
had  touched  a cord  that  let  loose  the  floodgates  of  her 
sorrow.  He  changed  the  subject,  and  after  some  proper 
conversation,  suited  to  a person  in  her  situation,  he 
commended  her  to  her  Heavenly  Father,  and  promis- 
ing to  call  again  soon,  bade  her  good  morning  and  with- 
drew. 

Mr.  Jones  left  this  scene  with  sad  thoughts,  as  recol- 
lections of  the  past  crowded  into  his  mind.  “How 
changed,  her  condition?”  he  said  to  himself  as  he  hur- 
ried away.  l:  A few  years  have  passed,  and  all  the 
fair  prospects  and  visions  of  future  earthly  bliss  of  this 
frail  mortal  are  crushed ; hope  extinguished ! Alas ! 
alas ! the  frequent  consequence  of  disregarding  parental 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


21 


advice.  How  transient — fleeting — uncertain — delusive 
are  the  joys  of  this  world  ! IIow  insufficient  to  satisfy 
the  soul!  Would  that  such  scenes  as  I have  just  left 
might  teach  mortals  a lesson  of  wisdom;  even  to  set 
their  affections  on  things  above,  and  not  on  the  things 
of  earth  !” 

Thus  mused  our  good  minister,  as  he  directed  his 
steps  to  the  house  of  an  acquaintance  to  inquire  further 
into  the  sad  history  of  Eliza  during  his  absence.  Be- 
fore he  reached  the  dwelling  he  heard  a carriage  com- 
ing rapidly  down  the  street  towards  him ; he  turned  a 
look  towards  the  carriage  when  nearly  abreast  of  him, 
and  lo  ! he  beheld  Mr.  and  Mrs  Benson ; the  very 
couple  he  had  married  ten  years  before — a day  or  two 
before  he  left  for  foreign  parts — he  could  not  easily 
mistake  the  gentle  Sarah  Rossell,  nor  could  she  forget 
her  beloved  pastor.  They  simultaneously  recognized 
each  other — the  carriage  stopped,  and  mutual  congratu- 
lations passed  between  these  long-parted  friends.  Mr. 
Jones  was  invited  to  take  a seat  in  the  carriage  and  ac- 
company them  home  to  dine.  He  gladly  accepted  the 
kind  invitation,  hoping  he  should  now  be  able  to  learn 
all  he  desired  of  Eliza  and  her  husband.  Indeed,  he 
regarded  this  meeting  as  quite  providential,  and  his  kind 
heart  was  filled  with  emotions  of  gratitude.  They  soon 
reached  the  splendid  dwelling  of  Mr.  Benson.  Fortune 
had  favored  him ; he  had  been  wonderfully  prospered 
in  his  business  and  had  arrived  at  such  a state  of  com- 
petence, that  he  was  able  to  live  in  the  most  fashionable 
style.  Neatness  and  comfort,  as  well  as  elegance,  were 
studied  in  their  domestic  arrangements,  while  content- 
ment and  love  seemed  to  be  the  presiding  geniuses  of 
their  dwelling.  The  dinner  hour  soon  arrived,  and  the 


22 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


company  were  seated  around  the  table.  Mr.  Jones  en- 
tertained them  with  an  account  of  his  fortunes  while 
lie  had  been  absent;  describing  his  adventures — his 
mode  of  life — his  occupations  as  a missionary  and  his 
success  in  converting  the  heathen.  It  was  a rich  treat 
to  Mr.  Benson  and  his  wife,  and  the  time  passed  pleas- 
antly away. 

After  dinner,  the  three  friends  were  seated  in  Mr. 
Benson’s  front  parlor,  earnestly  engaged  in  conversa- 
tion. Sarah  inquired  of  Mr.  Jones  if  he  had  heard  how 
her  poor  sister  Eliza  had  made  out.  He  then  informed 
them  of  his  morning’s  adventure  and  thanked  Sarah 
for  introducing  the  subject,  as  he  was  most  anxious  and 
curious  to  know  all  the  particulars. 

“ You  very  well  know  what  she  was,”  replied  Sarah. 
“She  always  would  have  her  own  way.  She  was 
considered  very  handsome,  and  was  quite  an  idol  with 
that  miserable  class  of  young  men  who  care  for  appear- 
ances more  than  improvement  of  mind  or  principles  of 
honor  and  virtue.  After  Eliza  and  John  Sheldon  were 
married,  they  seemed  to  live  happily  together  for  a 
while;  then  she  was  taken  sick,  her  beauty  began  to 
fade  and  Sheldon  appeared  to  treat  her  coldly.  He  soon 
manifested  a greater  fondness  for  the  company  of  his 
old  associates  than  he  did  for  that  of  his  wife.  In  the 
course  of  five  years  she  had  four  children;  she  had  a 
great  deal  of  sickness.  He  had  now  almost  entirely 
forsaken  her ; he  was  sometimes  at  home  at  his  meals, 
but  his  evenings  and  nights  were  spent  away  from  his 
home  and  in  scenes  of  bacchanalian  revelry  and 
carousal.  But  Eliza’s  love  abated  not  for  her  husband, 
unworthy  as  he  was ; she  was  willing  to  make  any 
sacrifice  for  him.  She  would  try  to  coax  him,  she 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


23 


would  even  kneel  before  him  and  plead  with  him  to 
leave  his  wicked  associates,  to  be  kind  to  her  and  love 
her.  But  he  heeded  not  her  words — he  loved  her  not — 
he  feared  not  T*od  or  man.  He  even  reproached  and 
upbraided  her  for  her  weakness  in  ever  loving  him ; 
for  leaving  her  friends  contrary  to  their  wishes  and 
clinging  to  him  when  he  had  no  regard  for  her.  He 
would  tell  her  ; ‘ If  you  had  not  been  a fool  you  would 
have  listened  to  the  advice  and  warnings  of  your  true 
friends  who  could  have  had  none  but  good  motives  for 
their  counsel.  If  you  are  uuhappy  you  may  thank 
yourself  for  it;  I am  glad  of  it,  you  are  rightly  served  !’  ” 

“ Monster  !”  exclaimed  Mr.  Jones,  who  could  not  con- 
tain his  indignation  at  the  recital  of  such  baseness. 

Sarah  continued,  “ Sheldon  treated  her  in  a most 
shameful  manner.  He  stripped  the  house  of  all  that 
was  worth  taking,  that  he  might  sell  it  to  raise  money 
to  purchase  the  gratification  of  his  lusts;  for  he  had 
pursued  such  a reckless  and  abandoned  course  that  his 
property  was  all  wasted  away — he  had  nothing  left. 
At  this  time  Eliza  was  confined  to  her  bed  by  sickness. 
One  of  her  children  was  also  dangerously  ill,  and  we 
feared  it  could  not  live.  While  she  was  in  this  helpless 
condition,  Sheldon  came  into  her  room  one  day  and  said 
to  her,  in  a most  heartless  manner,  CI  am  going  to 
leave  you  and  your  brats,  forever,  and  now  you  may 
starve  or  go  back  to  your  old  friends  whom  you  so  shame- 
fully abused  because  they  told  you  the  truth  about  me. 
You  would  not  believe  them;  now  you  know  for  your- 
selfand  he  turned  away  and  left  her  to  perish.  Her 
agony  of  soul,  to  receive  such  treatment  from  him  she 
had  so  fondly  loved,  for  whom  she  had  deserted  all  her 
friends,  cannot  be  described.  And  now  to  be  deserted 


24 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


forever,  to  think  she  should  never  see  him  again, — it 
was  too  much  for  her  to  bear;  she  uttered  a desparing 
shriek  and  swooned  away. 

“For  a short  time  before  their  marriage  and  fora 
while  after,  Sheldon  , had  kept  himself  aloof  from  his 
old  associates,  that  he  might  better  succeed  in  accom- 
plishing his  object  by  securing  the  love  of  Eliza;  but 
he  soon  returned  to  them  again,  with  a more  keen  relish 
for  their  pleasures  than  ever.  He  gambled  and  lost 
every  dollar  he  was  worth.  He  was  far  down  on  the 
road  to  perdition  when  several  of  his  associates  had 
formed  a plan  to  go  to  New  Orleans,  and  he  resolved  to 
accompany  them. 

Sarah  then  read  the  following  letter,  which  Eliza  had 
lately  received  from  her  husband,  and  which  gives  an 
account  of  the  remainder  of  his  career. 

“ St.  Louis , Oct.  12,  1844. 

“Mrs.  Eliza  Sheldon: 

“ I take  my  pen  to  inform  you  that  I am  on 
a bed  which  I shall  not  leave  until  death  closes  my 
eyes,  which  the  doctor  says  will  be  in  less  than  forty- 
eight  hours.  Perhaps  you  know  what  I have  been, 
and  who  and  what  I am.  Have  you  got  your  eyes 
open  yet?  for  you  used  to  be  so  blinded  by  love,  that 
you  would  not  believe  the  truth  about  me  when  it  was 
told  by  your  best  and  truest  friends ; and  you,  like  a 
fool,  deserted  them  and  clung  to  one  who  had  no  fear 
of  God  and  no  regard  for  man.  I had  no  principle  of 
honor  or  virtue ; my  associates  were  those  like  me,  and 
you  showed  that  you  could  encourage  and  smile  at  sin  ; 
you  was  a blind,  headstrong,  deluded  fool,  to  discard 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


25 


all  your  true-hearted  friends,  and  leave  them  because 
they  gave  you  their  best  advice,  which,  if  you  had 
followed,  would  have  saved  you  from  your  present 
misery.  How  did  you  treat  them  for  their  kindness  ? 
I will  leave  you  to  answer  at  midnight  hour,  when  all 
is  silent  as  the  grave.  If  you  had  listened  to  the  advice 
of  your  family,  as  you  ought,  b should  not  have  been 
cursed  with  you.  I saw  that  you  was  easily  led  astray 
by  pretended  love,  so  I determined  to  secure  you.  I 
never  did  love  you,  though  I swore  to  you  I did.  You 
are  not  the  first  I attempted  to  deceive;  I kept  com- 
pany with  several  others  for  a while,  but  when  their 
friends  informed  them  who  and  what  I was,  they  treat- 
ed me  as  1 deserved,  and  I troubled  them  no  more.  If 
you  had  done  the  same  I should  have  escaped  the  un- 
happiness you  have  brought  upon  me,  and  I am  sure 
you  would  have  been  better  off.  You  deserve  all  that 
has  come  upon  you ; and  for  my  part,  I deserve  no 
other  place  than  the  lowest  depth  of  hell ! Long  be- 
fore this  letter  reaches  you,  if  there  is  a hell,  I shall  be 
there. 

“Til  now  inform  you  howl  got  into  my  present  diffi- 
culty, knowing  it  will  be  an  aggravation  to  you.  After 
I left  you,  I went  to  New  Orleans,  with  some  comrades, 
where  we  committed  various  thefts,  and  entered  into  sev- 
eral fraudulent  transactions,  by  which  we  secured  con- 
siderable money.  Finding  we  were  mistrusted,  we 
thought,  to  make  good  our  escape,  we  would  leave  the 
city  and  travel  north.  We  purchased  horses  and  com- 
menced our  journey ; we  had  traveled  about  forty 
miles,  when  we  discovered  that  we  were  pursued,  and 
that  our  pursuers  would  soon  be  down  upon  us.  We 
3 


26  MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 

* m 

left  our  horses  and  took  for  the  woods,  a short  distance 
from  us,  determined,  as  we  were  well  armed,  not  to  be 
taken  alive.  We  were  so  hotly  pursued,  that  we  turn- 
ed and  fired  upon  our  pursuers,  and  several  of  them 
fell  ; whether  they  were  killed  or  not  I can’t  say,  but 
if  they  were  not,  it  was  not  our  fault.  The  party  sud- 
denly halted  and  returned  our  fire,  when  two  of  our 
comrades  fell  dead,  and  the  rest  of  us  escaped  in  the 
midst  of  the  confusion  which  this  engagement  created. 
We  traveled  some  days  through  woods  and  fields,  be- 
fore daring  to  make  our  appearance  in  the  public 
road,  fearing  we  should  be  recognized.  At  last  we  took 
a boat  and  went  up  the  river  to  St.  Louis,  where  we 
lived  like  jovial  fellows  till  our  money  was  all  spent. 
Then  we  had  recourse  to  our  wits  again.  We  did  not 
hesitate  to  do  anything  to  get  money,  if  we  thought  we 
could  escape  detection.  It  would  not  do  for  gentlemen 
of  our  cloth  to  live  without  money,  so  we  determined 
to  raise  the  wind  the  first  chance.  One  day  we  saw 
an  old  rich  drover  receive  several  thousand  dollars  in 
cash ; he  was  rather  careless  with  his  money  and  did 
not  seem  to  be  afraid  of  showing  it.  This  opportuni- 
ty was  not  to  be  neglected  ; we  determined  we  would 
have  it.  Knowing  which  road  he  usually  traveled, 
and  that  he  would  return  home  that  night,  we  started 
before  him,  well  armed,  and  found  a good  place  to  se- 
crete ourselves,  and  there  awaited  his  arrival.  Present- 
ly he  came  up  the  road,  and  when  he  had  reached  our 
hiding  place,  we  sprang  out  and  seized  his  horse  and 
demanded  his  money;  but  instead  of  getting  that,  we 
both  got  shot  for  our  trouble.  My  comrade  was  killed 
outright,  and  I was  mortally  wounded;  so  you  see 
here’s  an  end  to  my  career,  for  there  is  no  hope  that  I 


MISS  ELIZA  R0SSELL. 


27 


can  recover.  I have  got  my  deserts  as  well  as  you,  if 
that ’s  any  comfort ; for  it ’s  an  old  saying  that  ‘ misery 
loves  company.’ 


“Now,  farewell ! you  may  return  to  your  friends  or 
perish  alone,  I care  not  which.  You  revealed  to  me 
what  your  family  said  against  me,  in  confidence,  and  I 
then  resolved  I ’d  be  revenged.  I am  now  satisfied — - 
my  revenge  is  complete  ! You  are  ruined  and  I am 
lost ! Adieu  ! John  Sheldon.” 

“ Eliza  murmured  not — no  reproaches  came  from  her 
lips — she  loved  him  still,  though  he  had  deserted  and 
despised  her,”  continued  Sarah.  “Although  she  makes 


28 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


no  complaint,  the  agony  of  her  soul  no  tongue  can  utter. 
Her  health  has  been  fast  declining  since  she  received 
the  letter ; for  several  weeks  she  has  been  confined  to 
her  bed,  and  suffers  a great  deal  of  pain.  We  have 
done  all  for  her  that  we  could.  She  was  unwilling  to 
be  removed  from  where  she  is,  and  will  hardly  allow 
us  to  clothe  her  children,  so  much  does  she  dislike  to 
be  noticed  by  those  whose  advice  she  spurned.  Within 
a few  days  she  seems  to  have  become  much  humbled  ; 
her  proud  spirit  has  been  broken,  and  we  hope  she  will 
yet  realize  that  her  parents,  her  brothers  and  sisters, 
are  her  friends.  She  knows  they  have  not  been  neg- 
lectful of  her  in  all  her  troubles ; they  have  watched 
her  course  with  intense  interest,  and  when  he  who  stole 
her  away  had  deserted  her,  her  friends  came  to  the 
rescue,  and  prevented  her  from  suffering  for  the  neces- 
saries of  life.  All  has  been  done  that  she  would  allow 
to  be  done;  but  a wounded  spirit  who  can  heal?  We 
call  daily  to  see  her  and  minister  to  her  wants.  I am 
glad  you  have  come,  Mr.  Jones,  and  father  and  mother 
will  be  so  glad  to  see  you  ! besides,  you  may  be  able 
to  point  our  dear  sister  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh 
away  the  sins  of  the  world.  You  may  be  able  to  ap- 
ply to  her  wounded  heart  the  healing  consolations  of 
religion,  and  direct  her  to  the  great  Physician.” 

Mr.  Jones  was  so  well  pleased  with  his  friends,  that 
he  accepted  their  invitation  to  spend  the  remainder  of 
the  day  with  them,  and  while  they  were  waiting  for 
tea,  he  observed  to  Mr.  Benson  that  he  presumed  he 
had  been  highly  favored  in  worldly  things,  judging 
from  appearances. 

“ Yes,”  replied  Mr.  Benson,  “ a kind  providence  has 
smiled  upon  my  efforts ; my  business  succeeded  better 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


29 


than  I had  reason  to  expect,  and  by  several  fortunate 
trades,  with  close  application  to  business,  I have  suc- 
ceeded in  accumulating  property  enough  to  make  U3 
comfortable,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  the  remainder 
of  our  days,  besides  having  snmething  to  spare  for 
those  around  us  who  are  poor.  With  hearts  that  feel 
for  others’  woes,  and  the  means  of  bestowing  charity, 
we  take  much  pleasure  in  alleviating  sorrow  and  help- 
ing the  unfortunate.  My  good  wife  is  always  alive  to 
the  wants  of  others,  and  she  lets  no  opportunity  slip, 
without  making  some  hearts  glad.” 

11  Happy  couple  !”  exclaimed  Mr.  Jones  ; “ it  makes 
me  happy  to  be  with  you — to  learn  of  your  prosperity ; 
I rejoice  that  under  such  prosperity  your  hearts  are  not 
lifted  up  with  pride,  and  that  you  do  not  forget  your 
fellow-creatures  who  need  your  aid.  I trust  you  have 
treasures  laid  up  in  heaven.  Sarah,  how  is  it  that  you 
have  made  out  so  much  better  than  your  sister?” 

“ Not  because  of  any  worthiness  in  me,  sir,”  replied 
Sarah,  meekly,  “ but  because  I had  kind  friends  who 
gave  me  advice  which  I observed.  I hope  I appreciate, 
in  some  degree,  the  worth  of  parental  couse]  and  advice. 
If  I had  not  listened  to  their  admonitions,  I too  should 
have  been  married  to  a miserable,  unprincipled  fellow, 
who  has  brought  disgrace  upon  all  that  have  been  con- 
nected with  him.  He  is  now  destitute  and  his  family 
are  supported  by  charity.  Through  a .brother,  who 
knew  more  of  him  than  I did,  my  family  were  made 
acquainted  with  his  character;  they  kindly  advised 
me;  I listened  to  them,  and  acted  accordingly;  and 
was  thus  saved  from  that . life  of  misery  which  was 
soon  the  portion  of  the  lovely  Julia  B — 1 — . She 

3* 


30 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


was  a young  friend  of  mine,  who,  with  her  unsuspect- 
ing heart,  believed  that  1 all  is  gold  that  glitters.’  She 
was  caught  in  the  snare  from  which  I escaped,  and 
bitter  experience  taught  her  the  worth  of  that  advice 
she  would  not  receive  from  her  friends.  She  has  since 
died  of  a broken  heart.  There  ! there  !”  exclaimed 
Sarah,  pointing  at  the  same  time  towards  the  street, 
“there  is  the  very  man  who  once  nearly  captivated 

my  heart — who  afterwards  married  Julia  B ; look 

at  him.” 

Mr.  Jones  walked  to  the  window,  and  looking  into 
the  street,  he  saw  with  astonishment  a miserable  vaga- 
bond, apparently  half  crazy,  who  was  singing  and  hal- 
looing, and  occasionally  throwing  dirt  into  the  air,  to 
frighten  some  children  that  were  returning  from  school. 

“Well,  Sarah,”  said  Mr.  Jones,  as  he  was  about 
taking  his  leave,  “ I have  spent  this  day  very  profitably. 
I thank  you  for  your  kindness  to  me,  and  also  for  the 
instruction  I have  gained  from  your  recital  of  the 
sad  history  of  Eliza,  and  your  own  happy  one  in  con- 
trast. As  saith  the  Scripture,  so  may  Eliza’s  history 
be  written  in  a few  words,  £ Pride  goeth  before,  and  de- 
struction followeth  after.’  To-morrow,  if  we  live,  we 
will  visit  her  together,  and  try  to  administer  both  tem- 
poral and  spiritual  comforts.  He  bade  them  good 
night,  and  departed. 

*y>-  ^ 

W W •TV*  W "TV  W "/v' 

One  cold  and  stormy  night,  about  a week  after  the 
conversation  recorded  above,  Mr.  Jones  was  passing  the 
evening  at  Mr.  Benson’s.  They  were  seated  around 
the  fire,  engaged  in  conversation,  when  they  were 
st  artled  by  the  sudden  and  loud  ringing  of  the  door- 
bell. 


f 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


31 


r “ Who  can  that  be?”  exclaimed  Mrs.  Benson.  “1 
should  hardly  think  any  one  would  venture  out  in  such 
a storm.  Perhaps,  my  dear,”  said  she,  addressing  her 
husband,  “ some  poor  person  is  in  distress,  and  needs 
our  assistance.” 

They  shall  have  it,  then,”  replied  Mr.  Benson,  “ if 
it  is  in  our  power  to  give  it.” 

Mr.  Benson  quickly  left  the  room  and  hastened  to 
the  door,  which  a servant  had  just  opened  to  see  who 
was  there.  A little  girl,  not  more  than  ten  years  of 
age,  stood  waiting  for  admittance.  “ Come  in,  my 
dear,”  said  Mr.  Benson,  kindly;  “come  in  out  of  the 
reach  of  this  cold  storm  as  quick  as  you  can.  What 
do  you  want  ? Is  any  body  sick  ?” 

u Yes  sir,  mother  is  much  worse,  and  I want  to  see 
aunt  Sarah,”  said  the  little  girl. 

u Oh,  you  are  little  Mary  Sheldon  !”  exclaimed  Mr. 
Benson,  taking  her  hand.  “ Come  right  into  the  par- 
lor, dear,  where  your  aunt  Sarah  is,  and  get  warm. 
Your  clothes  are  wet  through,  and  I am  afraid  you  ’ll 
take  cold.”  He  led  her  into  the  room,  and  as  soon  as 
her  aunt  saw  her  she  exclaimed,  “ Why,  Mary  ! is  this 
you?  What  could  have  brought  you  here  this  dreadful 
stormy  night  ? Is  your  mother  worse  ?” 

“ Mother  wants  you  and  grandfather  and  grand- 
mother and  all  my  uncles  and  aunts  to  come  and  see 
her  right  away.  She  wants  to  see  you  immediately, 
for  she  is  much  worse  to-night,  and  this  storm  seems 
to  trouble  her  dreadfully.  You  will  come,  won’t  you, 
and  see  my  poor,  sick  mother  ? for  she  says  she  cannot 
die  in  peace  until  she  sees  you  all.  Do  come,  then, 
von’t  you,  aunt  Sarah  ?”  and  the  little  girl  rose  to  depart, 


32 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


“Wait,  Mary!”  said  her  aunt  Sarah;  “you  shall 
go  with  us.  Mr.  Benson  has  ordered  the  carriage  to  be 
got  ready  with  despatch,  and  we  will  be  ready  in  a few 
moments.  You  must  go  with  us,  Mr.  Jones, added 
she,  addressing  him. 

The  carriage  was  soon  ready.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Benson, 
with  Mr.  Jones  and  Mary,  entered  the  carriage,  forget- 
ting the  storm  which  continued  to  rage  with  unabated 
fury,  and  only  intent  on  relieving  distress  and  adminis- 
tering comfort  to  the  sick.  Mr.  Benson  had  sent  a 
messenger  to  Mr.  Rossell,  requesting  the  attendance 
of  the  family  at  Eliza’s  house  without  delay. 

They  rode  as  rapidly  as  the  darkness  of  the  night 
would  permit,  and  soon  the  little  Mary,  who  was  look- 
ing most  anxiously  at  the  houses  as  they  passed  along, 
exclaimed,  “ This  is  it ! this  is  our  house  ! stop  ! stop!” 
and  she  could  hardly  wait  for  the  carriage  to  stop  be- 
fore she  jumped  out.  As  they  were  alighting,  they 
heard  the  sound  of  carriage  wheels  coming  up  the 
street.  “ There  comes  grandfather  and  all  the  folks,  I 
hope,”  said  Mary,  as  she  stood  on  tiptoe  and  strained 
her  eyes  to  discern  the  carriage.  In  a moment  her 
hopes  were  realized.  The  carriage  stopped.  The 
friends  entered  the  house  in  silence,  guided  by  the  little 
girl.  There  sat  the  doctor,  who  rose  at  the  entrance  of 
the  family,  and  bowed  a recognition — the  nurse  was 
busy  in  preparing  some  medicine — the  children  were 
about  the  bed,  weeping,  and  several  of  the  neighbors 
were  standing  about  the  room  ready  to  offer  assistance. 
Eliza  was  bolstered  up  in  her  bed,  apparently  in  a dy- 
ing state.  For  the  last  hour,  they  had  expected  every 
moment  would  be  her  last,  so  great  had  been  her  dis- 
tress. 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


33 


Eliza  recognized  her  parents  and  her  brothers  and 
sisters.  A ray  of  joy  shot  across  her  pale  features  as 
she  looked  upon  them.  Some  medicine  which  had  just 
been  administered,  seemed  to  afford  her  a temporary 
relief.  She  improved  it  to  unburthen  her  overcharged 
heart  to  her  parents,  and  her  friends.  Her  father  and 
and  mother  stood  beside  the  bed ; they  each  took  her 
hand  in  theirs,  and  gazed  in  tearful,  silent  grief  upon 
their  dying,  and,  as  they  hoped,  repentant  daughter. 


“ Oh  !,J  said  she,  in  a faint  voice,  looking  round  upon 
the  family,  u I am  glad  you  have  come  to  see  your  un- 
worthy daughter  and  sister  this  terrible  night.  I was 


34 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


afraid  you  would  not  come ; and  yet  I had  not  the 
least  reason  to  think  you  would  forsake  me  in  a dying 
hour,  after  being  my  true  friends  through  all  my  mis- 
fortunes and  troubles,  notwithstanding  I have  abused 
and  shamefully  treated  you,  and  set  at  naught  your 
good  advice.  Oh,  will  you  forgive  me,  dearest  father 
and  mother,  and  my  dear  brothers  and  sisters  ? forgive 
my  ingratitude  and  unkindness  ! I hope  I now  feel 
humbled  and  willing  to  do — what  I have  never  been 
willing  to  do  before — to  ask  your  forgiveness  for  my 
ill-treatment  of  you.  You  have  been  my  truest  friends 
— you  have  never  deserted  me ; and  I cannot  die  in 
peace  without  hearing  from  your  own  lips  that  you 
forgive  me.  It  seems  as  if  I had  lived  the  last  hour, 
only  that  I might  receive  my  dying  request — to  be  for- 
given !” 

The  family  now  gathered  around  the  bed,  and  each 
one  kindly  assured  her  of  their  free  forgiveness.  A 
mighty  load  seemed  to  be  removed  from  her  heart ; her 
joy  found  utterance  in  tears.  Mr.  Jones  spoke  words 
of  consolation  to  her.  He  spoke  of  her  nearness  to 
eternity,  and  asked  her  how  she  felt  in  view  of  death.  As 
soon  as  she  was  able  to  speak,  she  replied  that  she  felt 
as  if  she  could  die  happy,  now  that  she  had  received 
the  forgiveness  of  her  family.  She  had  thought  much 
upon  what  he  had  said  to  her  during  her  sickness.  She 
had  tried  to  pray ; and  she  hoped  her  sins  were  for- 
given of  God.  It  was  truly  a solemn  scene,  and  at 
Eliza’s  request  Mr.  Jones  offered  a prayer.  He  poured 
out  his  full  soul  in  eloquent  thanksgivings  to  God,  that 
the  lost  had  been  found— that  the  dead  had  been  made 
alive  again.  He  commended  her  soul  to  God,  and  asked 
that  she  might  have  a gracious  entrance  into  His  king- 


MISS  ELIZA  ROSSELL. 


35 


dom.  lie  prayed  for  her  children,  that  God  would  he 
a Father  to  the  fatherless;  he  prayed  for  her  parents, 
her  brothers  and  sisters,  that  their  grief  might  be  turned 
into  joy,  for  the  salvation  of  her  soul.  “Amen  !”  was 
responded  in  all  their  hearts. 

After  a moment  of  silence,  Eliza  looked  upon  her 
four  children,  who  stood  by  her  bedside.  “ What  will 
become  of  you,  my  little  ones?”  she  said  with  a sad 
tone.  “ Who  will  watch  over  you  when  I am  gone, 
and  warn  you  of  the  dangers  which  surround  you  ? 
You  see  your  mother  about  to  leave  you — Oh,  who 
wili  be  your  friends?”  Her  parents,  and  her  sister 
Sarah,  told  her  to  give  herself  no  uneasiness  on  account 
of  her  children,  assuring  her  they  would  take  care  of 
them,  and  that  they  should  be  well  provided  for — that 
they  should  not  want  for  a home  or  friends.  This  as- 
surance greatly  cheered  the  dying  mother.  “ I thank 
you,  with  my  dying  breath,”  said  she;  “it  is  like 
heaping  coals  of  fire  on  my  head  to  receive  so  much 
kindness  from  those  I have  so  much  slighted.  I can 
die  happy  now  ! — I am  forgiven  ! — my  children  have 
protectors  ! — my  last  wish  is  gratified  !”  and  she  faint- 
ed, so  powerful  were  her  emotions. 

Restoratives  were  applied,  but  she  moved  not,  and 
appeared  not  to  breathe ; it  was  feared  she  was  dead. 
After  a little  while  she  began  to  reco'Ver.  Looking 
around  in  amazement,  she  said,  “Oh,  what  a pleasant 
dream  I have  had  ! I thought  I had  made  my  confes- 
sion to  you,  and  you  had  all  forgiven  me,  and  were 
going  to  take  care  of  my  poor,  fatherless  children.” 

Her  father  informed  her  it  was  not  a dream,  but  a 
happy  reality. 

“ Is  it  possible  !”  said  she,  “ then  I die  happy  ! hap- 


36 


MISS  ELIZA  R0SSELL. 


py  ! happy  ! — Oh,  what  bliss  ! I have  not  known  a 
happy  moment  for  years,  but  now  that  I am  to  die,  I 
am  permitted  to  realize  true  happiness.  Oh,  I am  so 
glad  I confessed  my  error  and  obtained  your  forgive- 
ness ! God  will  bless  you,  my  dear  friends,  for  your 
kindness  in  owning  me  as  your  poor,  lost  Eliza  ! You 
have  removed  the  burden  from  my  heart.  My  dear 
children, ” said  she,  addressing  the  little  group,  who 
were  sobbing  as  if  their  hearts  would  break,  “ weep  not 
for  me!  ’Tis  true  I am  about  to  leave  you,  but  our 
kind  relations  will  take  good  care  of  you;  you  will  be 
happier  than  you  have  been  here.  Always  be  good, 
and  mind  what  they  say  to  you ; always  follow  their 
advice,  and  you  will  be  safe.”  She  was  permitted  to 
kiss  each  one  of  them ; she  bade  them  adieu  ; and  sink- 
ing back  under  the  exertion  she  had  made,  she  seemed 
to  fall  asleep.  The  doctor  felt  of  her  pulse.  She  was 
dead ! At  this  announcement,  the  children  cried  aloud ; 
they  felt  that  they  were  alone — they  clung  to  the  bed 
which  contained  all  that  was  dear  to  them  on  earth — 
their  mother  ! 

Eliza’s  remains  were  placed  in  her  father’s  tomb,  and 
the  children  were  provided  for  according  to  the  promise 
made  to  their  dying  mother. 

Thus  we  see  the  end  of  one  who,  in  early  life,  bid 
fair  to  prosper  and  be  happy;  but  who,  by  one  false 
step,  in  disregarding  the  advice  of  her  friends,  was 
plunged  into  the  vortex  of  misery,  from  which  no  hu- 
man efforts  could  deliver  her. 

Reader  ! our  tale  is  finished.  If  the  lessons  here, 
taught  shall  be  made  useful  to  you,  our  object  is  ac- 
complished. 


Attempt  at  Highway  Robbery,  Sheldon  and 
his  Comrade  shot  See  page  27. 


